Led lighting system

ABSTRACT

An LED lighting system having at least one LED circuit and at least two circuits or drivers capable of receiving an AC voltage at a first frequency and having an output capable of driving the at least one LED circuit, wherein the output of each circuit or driver capable of driving the at least one LED circuit is provided to the at least one LED circuit through a circuit or sensor capable of permitting only a single output from the at least two circuits or drivers be provided to the at least one LED circuit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/102,603 filed Aug. 13, 2018 which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/477,702 filed Apr. 3, 2017 which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/948,635 filed Nov.23, 2015 which is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/697,646 filed Nov. 13, 2012 which is a 371 National PhaseApplication of International Application No. PCT/US2011/0363359 filedMay 12, 2011 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/333,963 filed May 12, 2010 and is a continuation-in-part ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2010/062235 filed Dec. 28, 2010which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/284,927filed Dec. 28, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/335,069filed Dec. 31, 2009 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/287,267, filed Oct. 6, 2008, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/997,771, filed Oct. 6,2007 U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/364,890 filed Feb. 3, 2009which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/066,414 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,489,086) filed Feb. 25, 2005 which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/547,653 filed Feb. 25, 2004 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/559,867 filed Apr. 6, 2004; InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2010/001597 filed May 28, 2010 which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/287,267, and claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/217,215, filed May 28,2009; International Application No. PCT/US2010/001269 filed Apr. 30,2010 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/287,267, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/215,144, filed May 1, 2009; the contents of each of theseapplications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an LED lighting system having multiplecircuits or drivers capable of providing an output to at least one LEDcircuit.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Description of the Related Art

LEDs are semiconductor devices that produce light when a current issupplied to them. LEDs are intrinsically DC devices that only passcurrent in one polarity and historically have been driven by DC voltagesources using resistors, current regulators and voltage regulators tolimit the voltage and current delivered to the LED. Some LEDs haveresistors built into the LED package providing a higher voltage LEDtypically driven with 5V DC or 12V DC.

Some standard AC voltages in the world include 12 VAC, 24 VAC, 100 VAC,110 VAC, 120 VAC, 220 VAC, 230 VAC, 240 VAC and 277 VAC. Therefore, itwould be advantageous to have a single chip LED or multi-chip single LEDpackages and/or devices that could be easily configured to operate atmultiple voltage levels and/or multiple brightness levels by simplyselecting a voltage and/or current level when packaging themulti-voltage and/or multi-current single chip LEDs or by selecting aspecific voltage and/or current level when integrating the LED packageonto a printed circuit board or within a finished lighting product. Itwould also be advantageous to have multi-current LED chips and/orpackages for LED lamp applications in order to provide a means ofincreasing brightness in LED lamps by switching in additional circuitsjust as additional filaments are switched in for standard incandescentlamps.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,525,248 discloses a chip-scale LED lamp includingdiscrete LEDs capable of being built upon electrically insulative,electrically conductive, or electrically semi conductive substrates.Further, the construction of the LED lamp enables the lamp to beconfigured for high voltage AC or DC power operation. The LED basedsolid-state light emitting device or lamp is built upon an electricallyinsulating layer that has been formed onto a support surface of asubstrate. Specifically, the insulating layer may be epitaxially grownonto the substrate, followed by an LED buildup of an n-typesemiconductor layer, an optically active layer, and a p-typesemiconductor layer, in succession. Isolated mesa structure ofindividual, discrete LEDs are formed by etching specific portions of theLED buildup down to the insulating layer, thereby forming trenchesbetween adjacent LEDs. Thereafter, the individual LEDs are electricallycoupled together through conductive elements or traces being depositedfor connecting the n-type layer of one LED and the p-type layer of anadjacent LED, continuing across all of the LEDs to form the solid-statelight emitting device. The device may therefore be formed as anintegrated AC/DC light emitter with a positive and negative lead forsupplied electrical power. For instance, the LED lamp may be configuredfor powering by high voltage DC power (e.g., 12V, 24V, etc.) or highvoltage AC power (e.g., 110/120V, 220/240V, etc.).

U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,942 discloses a single-chip LED device through theuse of integrated circuit technology, which can be used for standardhigh AC voltage (110 volts for North America, and 220 volts for Europe,Asia, etc.) operation. The single-chip AC LED device integrates manysmaller LEDs, which are connected in series. The integration is doneduring the LED fabrication process and the final product is asingle-chip device that can be plugged directly into house or buildingpower outlets or directly screwed into incandescent lamp sockets thatare powered by standard AC voltages. The series connected smaller LEDsare patterned by photolithography, etching (such as plasma dry etching),and metallization on a single chip. The electrical insulation betweensmall LEDs within a single-chip is achieved by etching light emittingmaterials into the insulating substrate so that no light emittingmaterial is present between small LEDs. The voltage crossing each one ofthe small LEDs is about the same as that in a conventional DC operatingLED fabricated from the same type of material (e.g., about 3.5 volts forblue LEDs).

Accordingly, single chip LEDs have been limited and have not beenintegrated circuits beyond being fixed series, fixed parallel or seriesparallel circuit configurations until the development of AC LEDs. The ACLEDs have still however been single circuit or parallel circuit fixedsingle voltage designs.

LED packages have historically not been integrated circuits beyond beingfixed series, fixed parallel or fixed series parallel LED circuitconfigurations.

The art is deficient in that it does not provide a multi-voltage and/ormulti-current circuit monolithically integrated on a single substratewhich would be advantageous.

It would further be advantageous to have a multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness circuit that can provide options in voltage level,brightness level and/or AC or DC powering input power preference.

It would further be advantageous to provide multiple voltage leveland/or multiple brightness level light emitting LED circuits, chips,packages and lamps “multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED devices”that can easily be electrically configured for at least two forwardvoltage drive levels with direct AC voltage coupling, bridge rectifiedAC voltage coupling or constant voltage DC power source coupling. Forexample, it would be advantageous to provide a device that can be drivenwith more than one AC or DC forward voltage “multi-voltage” at 6V orgreater based on a selectable desired operating voltage level that isachieved by electrically connecting the LED circuits in a series orparallel circuit configuration and/or more than one level of brightness“multi-brightness” based on a switching means that connects and/ordisconnects at least one additional LED circuit to and/or from a firstLED circuit. It would be advantageous if the desired operating voltagelevel and/or the desired brightness level electrical connection wasachieved and/or completed at the LED packaging level when themulti-voltage and/or multi-brightness circuits and/or single chips areintegrated into the LED package, or the LED package may have externalelectrical contacts that match the integrated multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness circuits and/or single chips within, allowing the drivevoltage level and/or the brightness level select-ability to be passed onthrough to the exterior of the LED package and allowing the voltagelevel or brightness level to be selected at the LED package user, or thePCB assembly facility, or the end product manufacturer.

It would further be advantageous to provide at least two integratedcircuits having a forward voltage of at least 12 VAC or 12 VDC orgreater on a single chip or within a single LED package that provide ameans of selecting a forward voltage when packaging a multi-voltageand/or multi-brightness circuit using discrete die (one LED chip at atime) and wire bonding them into a circuit at the packaging level orwhen packaging one or more multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness levelsingle chips within a LED package.

It would further be advantageous to provide multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness level devices that can provide electrical connectionoptions for either AC or DC voltage operation at preset forward voltagelevels of 6V or greater.

It would further be advantageous to provide multi-brightness LED devicesthat can be switched to different levels of brightness by simplyswitching additional circuits on or off in addition to a first operatingcircuit within a single chip and or LED package. This would allow LEDlamps to switch to higher brightness levels just like 2-way or 3-wayincandescent lamps do today.

The benefits of providing multi-voltage circuits of 6V or greater on asingle chip is that an LED packager can use this single chip as aplatform to offer more than one LED packaged product with a single chipthat addresses multiple voltage levels for various end customer designrequirements. This would also increase production on a single productfor the chip maker and improves inventory control. This also improvesbuying power and inventory control for the LED packager when using onechip.

It would further be advantageous to have a LED lighting assembly whichincludes LED circuitry for AC or DC drive and a high frequency ACvoltage transformer or inverter that could be used to convert lowfrequency voltages, like for example mains voltage or some other lowvoltage at 50/60 Hz, to a high frequency without a change in the voltageprovided. For example, it would be advantageous to have a LED lightingpower supply and/or driver capable of receiving 120 VAC at 60 Hz and beable to provide a high frequency AC output directly to an AC driven LEDcircuit(s), or alternatively to a DC driven LED circuit(s) through anAC-to-DC rectifier at a voltage equal to or different from the originalinput voltage to the power supply and/or driver.

It would be further advantageous to combine multiple-voltage LED chips,packages, circuits, lamps, etc., high frequency AC voltage powersupplies and/or transformers to drive LEDs by either directly connectinga high frequency transformer or inverter to an AC driven LED circuit(s),or by operably connecting an AC-to-DC rectifier between the highfrequency transformer or inveter and a DC driven LED circuit. Withproper design considerations LEDs may be driven more efficiently withdirect AC or rectified AC than with constant voltage or constant currentDC drive schemes. High frequency AC transformers or inverters can bemade smaller and more cost effective than constant current or constantvoltage DC drivers or power supplies currently being used to power LEDs.The higher the frequency, the smaller the transformer can be made. Withproper design consideration and based on the wattage and the frequencyof the AC voltage output of the power supply, a high frequency ACvoltage transformer can be made small enough to be mounted directly ontoa LED lighting PCB assembly.

It would be further advantageous to provide an LED lighting systemcapable of operating after a circuit or driver through which power issupplied to LEDs fails.

The present invention provides for these advantages and solves thedeficiencies in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention at least two single voltage ACLED circuits are formed on a single chip or on a substrate providing amulti-voltage AC LED device for direct AC power operation. Each singlevoltage AC LED circuit has at least two LEDs connected to each other inopposing parallel relation.

According to another aspect of the invention, each single voltage AC LEDcircuit is designed to be driven with a predetermined forward voltage ofat least 6 VAC and preferably each single voltage AC LED circuit has amatching forward voltage of 6 VAC, 12 VAC, 24 VAC, 120 VAC, or other ACvoltage levels for each single voltage AC LED circuit.

According to another aspect of the invention, each multi-voltage AC LEDdevice would be able to be driven with at least two different AC forwardvoltages resulting in a first forward voltage drive level byelectrically connecting the two single voltage AC LED circuits inparallel and a second forward voltage drive level by electricallyconnecting the at least two single voltage level AC LED circuits inseries. By way of example, the second forward voltage drive level of theserially connected AC LED circuits would be approximately twice thelevel of the first forward voltage drive level of the parallel connectedAC LED circuits. The at least two parallel connected AC LED circuitswould be twice the current of the at least two serially connected AC LEDcircuits. In either circuit configuration, the brightness would beapproximately the same with either forward voltage drive selection ofthe multi-voltage LED device.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least two singlevoltage series LED circuits, each of which have at least two seriallyconnected LEDs, are formed on a single chip or on a substrate providinga multi-voltage AC or DC operable LED device.

According to another aspect of the invention, each single voltage seriesLED circuit is designed to be driven with a predetermined forwardvoltage of at least 6V AC or DC and preferably each single voltageseries LED circuit has a matching forward voltage of 6V, 12V, 24V, 120V,or other AC or DC voltage levels. By way of example, each multi-voltageAC or DC LED device would be able to be driven with at least twodifferent AC or DC forward voltages resulting in a first forward voltagedrive level by electrically connecting the two single voltage series LEDcircuits in parallel and a second forward voltage drive level byelectrically connecting the at least two single voltage level series LEDcircuits in series. The second forward voltage drive level of theserially connected series LED circuits would be approximately twice thelevel of the first forward voltage drive level of the parallel connectedseries LED circuits. The at least two parallel connected series LEDcircuits would be twice the current of the at least two seriallyconnected series LED circuits. In either circuit configuration, thebrightness would be approximately the same with either forward voltagedrive selection of the multi-voltage series LED device.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least two singlevoltage AC LED circuits are formed on a single chip or on a substrateproviding a multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness AC LED device fordirect AC power operation.

According to another aspect of the invention, each single voltage AC LEDcircuit has at least two LEDs connected to each other in opposingparallel relation. Each single voltage AC LED circuit is designed to bedriven with a predetermined forward voltage of at least 6 VAC andpreferably each single voltage AC LED circuit has a matching forwardvoltage of 6 VAC, 12 VAC, 24 VAC, 120 VAC, or other AC voltage levelsfor each single voltage AC LED circuit. The at least two AC LED circuitswithin each multi-voltage and/or multi current AC LED device would beable to be driven with at least two different AC forward voltagesresulting in a first forward voltage drive level by electricallyconnecting the two single voltage AC LED circuits in parallel and asecond forward voltage drive level by electrically connecting the atleast two single voltage level AC LED circuits in series. The secondforward voltage drive level of the serially connected AC LED circuitswould be approximately twice the level of the first forward voltagedrive level of the parallel connected AC LED circuits. The at least twoparallel connected AC LED circuits would be twice the current of the atleast two serially connected AC LED circuits. In either circuitconfiguration, the brightness would be approximately the same witheither forward voltage drive selection of the multi-voltage LED device.

According to another aspect of the invention at least two single voltageLED circuits are formed on a single chip or on a substrate, and at leastone bridge circuit made of LEDs is formed on the same single chip orsubstrate providing a multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED devicefor direct DC power operation. Each single voltage LED circuit has atleast two LEDs connected to each other in series. Each single voltageLED circuit is designed to be driven with a predetermined forwardvoltage and preferably matching forward voltages for each circuit suchas 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 120 VDC, or other DC voltage levels for each singlevoltage LED circuit. Each multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LEDdevice would be able to be driven with at least two different DC forwardvoltages resulting in a first forward voltage drive level when the twosingle voltage LED circuits are connected in parallel and a secondforward voltage drive level that is twice the level of the first forwardvoltage drive level when the at least two LED circuits are connected inseries.

According to another aspect of the invention at least two single voltageLED circuits are formed on a single chip or on a substrate providing amulti-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED device for direct DC poweroperation. Each single voltage LED circuit has at least two LEDsconnected to each other in series. Each single voltage LED circuit isdesigned to be driven with a predetermined forward voltage andpreferably matching forward voltages for each circuit such as 12 VAC, 24VAC, 120 VAC, or other DC voltage levels for each single voltage LEDcircuit. Each multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED device would beable to be driven with at least two different DC forward voltagesresulting in a first forward voltage drive level when the two singlevoltage LED circuits are connected in parallel and a second forwardvoltage drive level that is twice the level of the first forward voltagedrive level when the at least two LED circuits are connected in series.

According to another aspect of the invention at least two single voltageLED circuits are formed on a single chip or on a substrate, and at leastone bridge circuit made of standard diodes, LEDs or some combinationthereof is provided separate of the LED circuit or formed on the samesingle chip or substrate providing a multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED device for direct DC power operation. Each singlevoltage LED circuit has at least two LEDs connected to each other inseries. Each single voltage LED circuit is designed to be driven with apredetermined forward voltage and preferably matching forward voltagesfor each circuit such as 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 120 VDC, or other DC voltagelevels for each single voltage LED circuit. Each multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED device would be able to be driven with at least twodifferent DC forward voltages resulting in a first forward voltage drivelevel when the two single voltage LED circuits are connected in paralleland a second forward voltage drive level that is twice the level of thefirst forward voltage drive level when the at least two LED circuits areconnected in series.

According to another aspect of the invention a multi-voltage and/ormulti-current AC LED circuit is integrated within a single chip LED.Each multi-voltage and/or multi-current single chip AC LED comprises atleast two single voltage AC LED circuits. Each single voltage AC LEDcircuit has at least two LEDs in anti-parallel configuration toaccommodate direct AC voltage operation. Each single voltage AC LEDcircuit may have may have at least one voltage input electrical contactat each opposing end of the circuit or the at least two single voltageAC LED circuits may be electrically connected together in series on thesingle chip and have at least one voltage input electrical contact ateach opposing end of the two series connected single voltage AC LEDcircuits and one voltage input electrical contact at the center junctionof the at least two single voltage AC LED circuits connected in series.The at least two single voltage AC LED circuits are integrated within asingle chip to form a multi-voltage and/or multi-current single chip ACLED.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least one multi-voltageand/or multi-brightness LED devices may be integrated within a LED lamp.The at least two individual LED circuits within the multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED device(s) may be wired in a series or parallelcircuit configuration by the LED packager during the LED packagingprocess thus providing for at least two forward voltage drive options,for example 12 VAC and 24 VAC or 120 VAC and 240 VAC that can beselected by the LED packager.

According to another aspect of the invention a multi-voltage and/ormulti-current AC LED package is provided, comprising at least onemulti-voltage and/or multi-current single chip AC LED integrated withina LED package. The multi-voltage and/or multi-current AC LED packageprovides matching electrical connectivity pads on the exterior of theLED package to the electrical connectivity pads of the at least onemulti-voltage and/or multi-current single chip AC LED integrated withinthe LED package thus allowing the LED package user to wire themulti-voltage and/or multi-current AC LED package into a series orparallel circuit configuration during the PCB assembly process or finalproduct integration process and further providing a AC LED package withat least two forward voltage drive options.

According to another aspect of the invention multiple individualdiscrete LED chips are used to form at least one multi-voltage and/ormulti-current AC LED circuit within a LED package thus providing amulti-voltage and/or multi current AC LED package. Each multi-voltageand/or multi-current AC LED circuit within the package comprises atleast two single voltage AC LED circuits. Each single voltage AC LEDcircuit has at least two LEDs in anti-parallel configuration toaccommodate direct AC voltage operation The LED package provideselectrical connectivity pads on the exterior of the LED package thatmatch the electrical connectivity pads of the at least two singlevoltage AC LED circuits integrated within the multi-voltage and/ormulti-current AC LED package thus allowing the LED package to be wiredinto a series or parallel circuit configuration during the PCB assemblyprocess and further providing a LED package with at least two forwardvoltage drive options.

According to another aspect of the invention a multi-voltage and/ormulti-current single chip AC LED and/or multi-voltage and/or multicurrent AC LED package is integrated within an LED lamp. The LED lamphaving a structure that comprises a heat sink, a lens cover and astandard lamp electrical base. The multi-voltage and/or multi-currentsingle chip AC LED and/or package is configured to provide a means ofswitching on at least one additional single voltage AC LED circuitwithin multi-voltage and/or multi-current AC LED circuit to provideincreased brightness from the LED lamp.

According to anther broad aspect of the invention at least onemulti-current AC LED single chip is integrated within a LED package.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least one single chipmulti-current bridge circuit having standard diodes, LEDs, or somecombination thereof is integrated within a LED lamp having a standardlamp base. The single chip multi-current bridge circuit may beelectrically connected together in parallel configuration but left opento accommodate switching on a switch to the more than one on the singlechip and have at least one accessible electrical contact at eachopposing end of the two series connected circuits and one accessibleelectrical contact at the center junction of the at least two individualserially connected LED circuits. The at least two individual circuitsare integrated within a single chip.

According to another aspect of the invention when the at least twocircuits are left unconnected on the single chip and provide electricalpads for connectivity during the packaging process, the LED packager maywire them into series or parallel connection based on the desiredvoltage level specification of the end LED package product offering.

According to another aspect of the invention, a high frequencytransformer or inverter may provide power to at least one multi-voltageand/or multi-brightness LED device or chip. The high frequencytransformer or inverter may be either packaged with the LED device orchip and may provide direct AC voltage to the LED device or chip, or asa separate driver or power supply for the LED device or chip capable ofbeing electrically connected to the LED device or chip. The highfrequency transformer or inverter is designed to receive a voltage at alow frequency, like for example a voltage at 50/60 Hz like a mainsvoltage, and output a voltage at a high frequency. The high frequencytransformer or inverter may also be configured to step-up or step-downthe voltage provided to the transformer or inverter from a sourcevoltage.

According to another aspect of the invention, a high-frequencytransformer or inverter may provide power to a DC driven-LED circuit,chip, or device or an LED circuit, chip or device containing one or moreseries strings of LEDs through a rectifier having standard diodes, LEDs,or some combination thereof may be electrically connected between thehigh-frequency transformer or inverter and. The rectifier may beprovided independently from the high-frequency transformer or inverterand the LED circuit, chip, or device and electrically connected at itsinput to the high-frequency transformer or inverter and at its output tothe LED circuit, chip or device. Alternatively, the rectifier may bepackaged with the high-frequency transformer or inverter forming a powersupply or driver for the LED circuit, chip, or device. The rectifier maylikewise be packaged directly with, or as part of, an LED circuit, chip,or device. As should be appreciated by those having skill in the art,packaging the rectifier directly with the LED circuit, chip, or deviceallows for an LED package containing a DC-driven LED circuit, chip, ordevice, or one or more series strings of LEDs, to be directly pluggedinto any power supply or driver providing an AC voltage output andoperate. As a further alternative, a high-frequency inverter, rectifier,and LED circuit, chip, or device may be packaged into a single lightingdevice capable of being directly incorporated into a lighting element,or may be incorporated directly into a lamp or other OEM productutilizing LED light.

According to another aspect of the invention, a two-way or three-wayswitch may be provided directly between a high-frequency inverterproviding power to a LED circuits, chip, or device and the LED circuits,chip or device, or in the alternative between a LED circuits, chip, ordevice and a rectifier having standard diodes, LEDs, or some combinationthereof electrically connected to a high-frequency transformer orinverter.

According to another aspect of the invention, an LED lighting systemhaving multiple circuits or drivers capable of receiving an AC voltageinput at a first frequency, like for example a mains input, andproviding an output capable of driving at least one LED circuit isprovided. The LED lighting system includes a sensor capable of sensingthe output of each circuit or driver capable of driving the LED circuit,and permitting only a single output to be provided. The sensor may befurther capable of switching between circuits or drivers capable ofdriving the LED circuit if any circuit or driver currently beingutilized fails.

Other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent tothose having ordinary skill in the art upon review of the followingDescription, Claims, and associated Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6a shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6b shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7a shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7b shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 19 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of theinvention; and,

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an LED system ascontemplated by the invention.

FIG. 22 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an LED system ascontemplated by the invention.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic diagram of a circuit or driver as contemplatedby the invention.

FIG. 24 shows a schematic diagram of an LED circuit as contemplated bythe invention.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 26 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 27 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 28 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 29 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 30 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 31 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 32 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 33 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 34 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 35 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 36 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 37 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 38 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 39 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 40 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein bedescribed in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodimentsillustrated.

FIG. 1 discloses a schematic diagram of a multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting device 10. The multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting device 10 comprises at least two AC LEDcircuits 12 configured in an imbalanced bridge circuit, each of whichhave at least two LEDs 14. The at least two AC LED circuits haveelectrical contacts 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, and 16 d at opposing ends toprovide various connectivity options for an AC voltage source input. Forexample, if 16 a and 16 c are electrically connected together and 16 band 16 d are electrically connected together and one side of the ACvoltage input is applied to 16 a and 16 c and the other side of the ACvoltage input is applied to 16 b and 16 d, the circuit becomes aparallel circuit with a first operating forward voltage. If only 16 aand 16 c are electrically connected and the AC voltage inputs areapplied to electrical contacts 16 b and 16 d, a second operating forwardvoltage is required to drive the single chip 18. The single chip 18 mayalso be configured to operate at more than one brightness level“multi-brightness” by electrically connecting for example 16 a and 16 band applying one side of the line of an AC voltage source to 16 a and 16b and individually applying the other side of the line from the ACvoltage source a second voltage to 26 b and 26 c.

FIG. 2 discloses a schematic diagram of a multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting device 20 similar to the multi-voltageand/or multi-brightness LED lighting device 10 described above inFIG. 1. The at least two AC LED circuits 12 are integrated onto asubstrate 22. The at least two AC LED circuits 12 configured in aimbalanced bridge circuit, each of which have at least two LEDs 14. Theat least two AC LED circuits have electrical contacts 16 a, 16 b, 16 c,and 16 d on the exterior of the substrate 22 and can be used toelectrically configure and/or control the operating voltage and/orbrightness level of the multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LEDlighting device.

FIG. 3 discloses a schematic diagram of a multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting device 30 similar to the multi-voltageand/or multi-brightness LED lighting device 10 and 20 described in FIGS.1 and 2. The multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED lighting device30 comprises at least two AC LED circuits 32 having at least two LEDs 34connected in series and anti-parallel configuration. The at least two ACLED circuits 32 have electrical contacts 36 a, 36 b, 36 c, and 36 d atopposing ends to provide various connectivity options for an AC voltagesource input. For example, if 36 a and 36 c are electrically connectedtogether and 36 b and 36 d are electrically connected together and oneside of the AC voltage input is applied to 36 a and 36 c and the otherside of the AC voltage input is applied to 36 b and 36 d, the circuitbecomes a parallel circuit with a first operating forward voltage. Ifonly 36 a and 36 c are electrically connected and the AC voltage inputsare applied to electrical contacts 36 b and 36 d, a second operatingforward voltage is required to drive the multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness lighting device 30. The multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness lighting device 30 may be a monolithically integratedsingle chip 38, a monolithically integrated single chip integratedwithin a LED package 38 or a number of individual discrete dieintegrated onto a substrate 38 to form a multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness lighting device 30.

FIG. 4 discloses a schematic diagram of the same multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED device 30 as described in FIG. 3 having the atleast two AC LED circuits 32 connected in parallel configuration to anAC voltage source and operating at a first forward voltage. A resistor40 may be used to limit current to the multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting device 30.

FIG. 5 discloses a schematic diagram of the same multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED device 30 as described in FIG. 3 having the atleast two AC LED circuits 32 connected in series configuration to an ACvoltage source and operating at a second forward voltage that isapproximately two times greater than the first forward voltage of theparallel circuit as described in FIG. 4. A resistor may be used to limitcurrent to the multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED lightingdevice.

FIGS. 6a and 7a disclose schematic diagrams of a multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting devices 50. The multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting devices 50 comprises at least two AC LEDcircuits 52, each of which have at least two LEDs 54 in series andanti-parallel relation. The at least two AC LED circuits 52 have atleast three electrical contacts 56 a, 56 b and 56 c, and in the case ofFIG. 7a a fourth electrical contact 56 d. The at least two AC LEDcircuits 52 are electrically connected together in parallel at one end56 a and left unconnected at the opposing ends of the electricalcontacts 56 b and 56 c, and in the case of FIG. 7a, 56d . One side of anAC voltage source line is electrically connected to 56 a and the otherside of an AC voltage source line is individually electrically connectedto 56 b, 56 c, and 56 d with either a fixed connection or a switchedconnection thereby providing a first brightness when AC voltage isapplied to 56 a and 56 b and a second brightness when an AC voltage isapplied to 56 a, 56 b and 56 c, and a third brightness when an ACvoltage is applied to 56 a, 56 b, 56 c, and 56 d. It is contemplatedthat the multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED lighting devices 50are a single chip, an LED package, an LED assembly or an LED lamp.

FIGS. 6b and 7b disclose a schematic diagram similar to themulti-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED device 50 shown in FIGS. 6aand 7a integrated within a lamp 58 and connected to a switch 60 tocontrol the brightness level of the multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting device 50.

FIG. 8 discloses a schematic diagram of a multi-brightness LED lightingdevice 62 having at least two bridge rectifiers 68 in series with LEDcircuits 69. Each of the at least two bridge rectifiers 68 in serieswith LED circuits 69 comprise four LEDs 70 configured in a bridgecircuit 68. LED circuits 69 have at least two LEDs 71 connected inseries and electrical contacts 72 a, 72 b and 72 c. When one side of anAC voltage is applied to 72 a and the other side of an AC voltage lineis applied to 72 b and 72 c individually, the brightness level of themulti-brightness LED lighting device 62 can be increased and/ordecreased in a fixed manner or a switching process.

FIG. 9 discloses a schematic diagram the multi-brightness LED lightingdevice 62 as shown above in FIG. 8 with a switch 74 electricallyconnected between the multi-brightness LED lighting device 62 and the ACvoltage source 78.

FIG. 9 discloses a schematic diagram of at least two single voltage LEDcircuits integrated with a single chip or within a substrate and forminga multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED device.

FIG. 10 discloses a schematic diagram of a single chip LED bridgecircuit 80 having four LEDs 81 configured into a bridge circuit andmonolithically integrated on a substrate 82. The full wave LED bridgecircuit has electrical contacts 86 to provide for AC voltage inputconnectivity and DC voltage output connectivity.

FIG. 11 discloses a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a singlechip multi-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED lighting device 90. Themulti-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED lighting device 90 has atleast two series LED circuits 92 each of which have at least two LEDs 94connected in series. The at least two series LED circuits 92 haveelectrical contacts 96 at opposing ends to provide a means of electricalconnectivity. The at least two series LED circuits are monolithicallyintegrated into a single chip 98. The electrical contacts 96 are used towire the at least two series LEDs circuit 92 into a series circuit, aparallel circuit or an AC LED circuit all within a single chip.

FIG. 12 discloses a schematic diagram of the same multi-voltage and/ormulti-brightness LED lighting device 90 as shown above in FIG. 11. Themulti-voltage and/or multi-brightness LED lighting device 90 has atleast two series LED circuits 92 each of which have at least two LEDs 94connected in series. The at least two series LED circuits can bemonolithically integrated within a single chip or discrete individualdie can be integrated within a substrate to form an LED package 100. TheLED package 100 has electrical contacts 102 that are used to wire the atleast two series LEDs circuit into a series circuit, a parallel circuitor in anti-parallel to form an AC LED circuit all within a single LEDpackage.

As seen in FIGS. 13-15, a single rectifier 110 may be provided for twoor more LED circuits 92, each containing at least two LEDs 94 connectedin series. The single rectifier 110 comprises standard diodes 112connected to an AC voltage source 116, or in the alternative may beconnected to a driver or power supply which ultimately provides an ACvoltage, like for example a high frequency AC driver 118. The singlerectifier 110 is electrically connected to the LED circuits 92.Specifically, the rectifier 110 connects to a common junction of ananode of at least one LED 94 in each LED circuit 92, and to the cathodeof at least one LED 94 in each LED circuit 92. As shown in FIG. 15, therectifier may instead be connected to a switch, allowing for either oneor both of LED circuits 92 to be operative at any given time.

It is contemplated by the invention that diodes 112 in FIGS. 13-15 areinterchangeable with LEDs 70 in rectifiers 68 in FIGS. 8 and 9 and viceversa. As should be appreciated by those having skill in the art, anycombination of LEDs 70 and diodes 112 can be used in rectifiers 68 and110, so long as rectifiers 68 and 110 provide DC power from an ACsource.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, and further shown in FIGS. 16-20, anylighting devices, chips, or AC LED or DC LED circuits contemplated bythe present invention may be powered through a high-frequency AC driver118. As shown in FIG. 13, any AC source 116 may be connected to thehigh-frequency driver or inverter or transformer 118, however, as shownin FIGS. 16-20 it is contemplated that low frequency voltage 124, likefor example a mains voltage, is provided to the high-frequency driver ortransformer or inverter 118.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show two embodiments of an AC LED lighting system 140wherein a high-frequency AC driver, inverter, or transformer 118 forprovides a high-frequency voltage to an AC LED circuit, lighting device,or chip 126. AC LED circuit, lighting device, or chip 126 may be any ofthe devices, circuits, or chips shown and described in FIGS. 1-7, likefor example LED lighting devices 10, 20, 30 and/or AC LED circuits 12,32, or any combination thereof. When multiple AC LED circuits, lightingdevices, or chips are connected to the high-frequency driver incombination, such AC LED circuit(s), lighting device(s), or chip(s) maybe connected together in either a series relationship, a parallelrelationship, or a series-parallel relationship.

As shown in FIG. 16, the high-frequency AC driver, inverter ortransformer 118 may be packaged separately from an (or multiple) AC LEDcircuit, device, or chip 126. In such embodiments a power source 128provides voltage to the high-frequency AC driver, inverter ortransformer 118 which steps up the frequency of the voltage to a higherfrequency and provides the higher-frequency voltage to the AC LEDcircuit(s), device(s), or chip(s) 126. High-frequency AC driver,inverter, or transformer 118 may further include necessary circuitry,for example a transformer, for stepping-up or stepping-down the ACvoltage provided by the power source 128.

As shown in FIG. 17, high-frequency AC driver 118 may be packaged withAC LED circuit(s), device(s), or chip(s) 126 in a unitary AC LED lightbulb, lighting element 130. It is contemplated by the invention that aswitch may be configured between the high-frequency driver 118 and theAC LED circuit(s), device(s), or chip(s) 126 for selectively operatingone or more AC LED circuit, lighting device, or chip. For example, asshown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B a 2-way or 3-way switch may beattached at the input side of the AC LED circuit(s), lighting device(s),or chip(s). Such a switch may be located between the high-frequency ACdriver, inverter, or transformer 118, and the AC LED circuit(s),lighting device(s), or chip(s).

FIGS. 14 and 18-20 show a DC LED lighting system 142 having a DC LEDcircuit(s), device(s), or chip(s) 92, 132 being powered by ahigh-frequency AC driver, inverter, or transformer 118 through arectifier 110. In operation, the combination of AC sources 116, 128,high-frequency AC driver, inverter or transformer 118, and DC LEDcircuit, device, or chip 92, 132 operate in substantially the samemanner as that described with respect to FIGS. 16 and 17. However, ineach system shown in FIGS. 14 and 18-20, rectifier 110 rectifies thehigh-frequency AC voltage output of the high-frequency AC driver beforea voltage is provided to the DC LED circuit(s), device(s), or chip(s)92, 132. DC LED circuit(s), device(s), or chip(s) 132 are not limited inform to just circuit 92, and instead may take the form of any of thelighting devices, circuits, or chips shown and described, for example,in FIGS. 8-12. When multiple DC LED circuits, lighting devices, or chipsare connected to the high-frequency driver in combination, such DC LEDcircuit(s), lighting device(s), or chip(s) may be connected together ineither a series relationship, a parallel relationship, or aseries-parallel relationship. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 15, aswitch, like for example a 2-way switch or a 3-way switch, may also beattached at the input side of DC LED circuit(s), device(s), or chip(s).

As shown in FIGS. 18-20, like in an AC embodiment, AC driver 118,rectifier 110, and DC LED circuit(s), device(s), or chip(s) 132 may bepackaged in any number of ways. As shown in FIG. 18, each element may bepackaged separately and electrically connected together in series.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, a DC LED driver 134 may be formed bycombining the high-frequency AC driver 118 with rectifier 110. As shownin FIG. 20, an additional alternative contemplated by the invention isforming a DC LED lighting element 136, which may be embodied as a lightbulb, lighting system, lamp, etc., wherein the DC LED lighting element136 includes each of a high-frequency AC driver 118, a rectifier 110,and a DC LED circuit(s), lighting device(s), or chip(s) 132. It shouldbe appreciated by those having skill in the art that a lighting elementcontaining only rectifier 110 and a DC LED circuit(s), lightingdevice(s), or chip(s) 132 may also be designed. Such lighting elementshave the advantage of being able to be plugged into any AC source,whether it is a high-frequency AC driver, inverter, or transformer, or asimple mains voltage, and provide a light output in the same manner asthe imbalanced circuit shown in, for example FIGS. 1-7.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show embodiments of a lighting system which may be usedto incorporate any of the AC LED or DC LED drivers, lighting devices,circuits, chips or the like discussed herein.

FIG. 21 shows lighting system 200 having at least one LED circuit 202connected as a load to driver 204. LED circuit 202 has at least two LEDsconnected in series and may be configured in any manner shown anddiscussed in any of figures, like for example, FIGS. 1-9, 11, and 12, oras shown and discussed later in FIG. 24. As should be appreciated bythose having ordinary skill in the art, it is contemplated that lightingsystem 200 may include two or more LED circuits 202 connected in series,parallel, or series parallel wherein each LED circuit 202 has at leasttwo LEDs connected in series.

Driver 204 in lighting system 200 has an input, like for example a plug,power cord, or other adapter capable of connecting to a power source,for receiving a first AC voltage and frequency from power source 206,which may be any AC power source including a mains power source, andincludes at least first circuit 208 and second circuit 210 which areeach capable of receiving the first AC voltage and first frequency.Circuits 208, 210 each have an output capable of being connected the atleast one LED circuit 202 for driving the at least two LEDs connectedtherein. As seen in FIG. 21, driver 204 may additionally include circuit214 which is substantially similar to circuits 208, 210. As should beappreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, any number ofcircuits may be included in driver 204 so long as each additionalcircuit is capable of receiving the first AC voltage and firstfrequency, and having an output capable of being connected the at leastone LED circuit 202 for driving the at least two LEDs connected therein.

Driver 204 further includes a sensor in the form of circuit 212 which isconfigured to sense and permit the output of only one of first circuit208 or second circuit 210 to be provided to the at least one LED circuit202. For example, circuit 212 may be configured to sense the output fromboth first circuit 208 and second circuit 210 and allow only the outputof first circuit 208 to be provided to at least one LED circuit 202while the output of circuit 210 is blocked or not provided to at leastone LED circuit 202. If circuit 212 no longer senses an output fromcircuit 208, because for example circuit 208 has failed, circuit 212 maydisconnect or block the output of circuit 208 from at least one LEDcircuit 202, and connect the output of circuit 210 to at least one LEDcircuit 202 so that circuit 210 drives at least one LED circuit 202. Asshould be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, inembodiments including circuit 214 or any additional circuits capable ofreceiving the first AC voltage and first frequency and having an outputcapable driving at least one LED circuit 202, circuit 212 may beconfigured to allow only a single output through and connect a newcircuit output each time the circuit providing an output to at least oneLED circuit 202 fails.

In order to achieve this function, circuit 212 may include any sensorand/or switch combination known to those of ordinary skill in the artcapable of detecting or sensing the output of circuits 208 and 210, andblocking the outputs so only a single output is provided to at least oneLED circuit 202 at all times so long as one of circuit 208 and 210 areoperational. Examples of circuits which may be used as circuit 212include a relay circuit, a micro-controller IC, or a voltage levelsensing circuit connected between the output of circuits 208 and 210 andat least one LED circuit 202.

In alternative embodiments, circuit 212 may include a logic gate andmultiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits including an RMSconverter and a window voltage comparator controlling an analog switch.Each RMS converter would receive the output of circuit 208 or circuit210 and convert the output voltages to an RMS voltage. The RMS voltagemay then be provided to a respective window voltage comparator, and becompared to high and low reference voltages stored in the each windowvoltage comparator. If the measured RMS voltage is within the high orlow reference range, the comparator may then close an analog switch,allowing the output of circuit 208 or 210 to proceed to the logic gate.The logic gate may then be configured to allow only one received outputfrom circuit 208 or 210 to pass through and be provided to at least oneLED circuit 202. If the allowed output from either of circuit 208 or 210fails and is not provided, the logic gate may then allow the non-allowedoutput from 208 or 210 to be provided to at least one LED circuit 202.Utilizing a logic gate receiving multiple inputs and an RMS converterand window voltage comparator has the added benefit of blocking theoutput from either of circuit 208 or 210 if the output is too high ortoo low, insuring maximum efficiency when driving at least one LEDcircuit 202.

Regardless of what is used for circuit 212, it should be appreciated bythose having ordinary skill in the art that a two-way or three-wayswitch like that shown and described in FIGS. 6A and 6B or 7A and 7B maybe provided on the back end of circuit 212 wherein the two-way orthree-way switch may connect additional LED circuits formed as part ofat least one LED circuit 202. Utilizing a switch may allow foradditional LED circuits to be turned on and off, adjusting thebrightness of system 200.

As should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, anytwo-way or three-way switch may also be utilized to join the output ofcircuits 208 and 210, as well as any additional similar circuitsincluded in driver 204, to provide additional power to at least one LEDcircuit 202. For example, the switch may be used to combine the outputsof circuits 208 and 210 into a single output before reaching circuit212, or alternatively may alter the logic of a logic gate used incircuit 212, allowing the output of both circuits 208 and 210 to beprovided to at least one LED circuit 202.

FIG. 22 shows an alternative embodiment to FIG. 21 wherein lightingsystem 300 contains at least one LED circuit 302, which is substantiallysimilar to LED circuit 202, drivers 304 and 306 and sensor 308. Inoperation, drivers 304 and 306 function in a similar manner as circuits208 and 210 and sensor 308 may function in substantially the same manneras circuit 212. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, however, drivers 304and 306 may be packaged separately from sensor 308. Packaging eachdriver 304 and 306 separately may also allow for either driver to beeasily replaced within system 300 if either driver 304 or 306 fails.

Drivers 304 and 306 each have a first input for receiving a first ACvoltage and frequency and each contain an output capable of beingconnected to the at least one LED circuit 302 through sensor 308. Inembodiments where multiple drivers are used, lighting system 300 mayinclude a single input for power from power source 310, like for examplea plug, power cord, or other adapter capable of connecting to andtransmitting an AC voltage.

As with the embodiment described in FIG. 21, in embodiments wheremultiple drivers are used, sensor 308 may be configured to receive theoutput of the drivers 304 and 306, sense the voltages, and allow only asingle output to be provided to at least one LED circuit 302. Sensor 308may include a relay circuit, a micro-controller IC, or a voltage levelsensing circuit connected between the output of circuits 208 and 210 andat least one LED circuit 202.

In alternative embodiments, sensor 308 may include a logic gate andmultiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits including an RMSconverter and a window voltage comparator controlling an analog switch.Each RMS converter would receive the output of driver 304 or driver 306and convert the output voltages to an RMS voltage. The RMS voltage maythen be provided to a respective window voltage comparator, and becompared to high and low reference voltages stored in the each windowvoltage comparator. If the measured RMS voltage is within the high orlow range, the comparator may then close an analog switch, allowing theoutput of driver 304 or 306 to proceed to the logic gate. The logic gatemay then be configured to allow only one received output from drivers304 or 306 to pass through and be provided to at least one LED circuit302. If the allowed output from either of driver 304 or 306 fails and isnot provided, the logic gate may then allow the non-allowed output fromdrivers 304 or 306 to be provided to at least one LED circuit 302.Utilizing a logic gate receiving multiple inputs and an RMS converterand window voltage comparator has the added benefit of blocking theoutput from either of drivers 304 and 306 if the output is too high ortoo low, insuring maximum efficiency when driving at least one LEDcircuit 302.

While circuits 208, 210 and drivers 304, 306 may be any of the driversor circuits discussed herein capable of driving LED circuits, FIG. 23shows one embodiment of circuits 208, 210 and a configuration fordrivers 304, 306 as contemplated by the invention. As should beappreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, each of thecircuit shown in FIG. 23 may be packaged separately forming drivers 304,306, or packaged together in a single driver forming driver 204. Assuch, it should be understood when referring to FIG. 23, the termscircuits 208, 210 may be used interchangeably with the terms driver 304,306.

As seen in FIG. 23, circuits 208, 210 each contain AC input 400,connected in series with fuse 402, resistor 404, and bridge rectifier406 which provides DC output 408 from circuits 208, 210 to a sensor orcircuit and at least one LED circuit. Circuits 208, 210 may also includea voltage suppressor 410 connected in series with fuse 402 and resistor404, while being connected in parallel with rectifier 406. Voltagesuppressor 410 may be a transient voltage suppressor used to protectrectifier 406 and any sensor or circuit or LED circuits connected to theoutput of the circuit 208 or 210. Circuits 208, 210 and drivers 304, 306may further include a transformer for stepping the provided AC voltageup or down and/or to adjust the provided AC frequency up or down.

Driver 204 may further include further include at least two capacitorsconnected to a fourth circuit wherein the fourth circuit only allows oneof the at least two capacitors to connect to the first or second circuitor any additional circuits included in driver 204 which are providing anoutput to LED circuit 202. The fourth circuit may be configured todisconnect the one of the at least two capacitors connected to the firstor second circuit if the one capacitor fails and then connect at leastone other capacitor from the at least two capacitors to circuits 208,210. The fourth circuit may be configured to connect any one of the atleast two capacitors anywhere within the first or second circuit, andpreferably in parallel with bridge rectifier 406.

In embodiments like that shown in FIG. 22 wherein multiple drivers areprovided for lighting system 300, each driver 304, 306, 307 may containat least two capacitors and an internal sensor wherein the internalsensor only one of the at least two capacitors to form a portion of thedriver, i.e. form a portion of the circuit shown in FIG. 23.

A resistor may be connected in series with the at least two LEDs formingat least one LED circuit 202, 302 in order to suppress the currentprovided by driver 204 or drivers 304, 306 to further protect the atleast two LEDs. FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of at least one LED circuit202, 302 for use in conjunction with circuits 208, 210 and drivers 304,306 shown in FIG. 23, wherein at least two LEDs 500 are connected inseries with resistor 502. As seen in FIG. 24, LED circuit 202, 302 mayfurther include a capacitor 504 connected in series with LEDs 502 and inparallel with resistor 502 for smoothing the received output from driver204 or drivers 304, 306. LED circuit 202, 302 finally may also include afuse 506 to further protect LED circuit 202, 302 from any surgecurrents.

In embodiments where mains power is directly rectified and provided toLED circuit 202, 302 through circuit 212 or sensor 308, LEDs 500 may behigh voltage LEDs having a forward voltage of at least 36V. However, itshould be appreciated that LEDs having any forward voltage may beutilized, so long as the total forward voltage across each LED issatisfied by the provided output from driver 204 or drivers 304, 306.

FIG. 25 discloses a preferred circuit 2010 according to the invention.The circuit 2010 includes a first source for providing an alternatingelectric field. The source may be 120V or 240V line power, RF energy orthe output of a standard AC signal generator such as generator 2012 ofFIG. 25. This generator 2012 may produce its signal with reference toground as indicated in FIG. 25. Circuit 2010 also discloses adirectional circuit 2014 connected to the generator 2012 by atransmission conductor 2016. According to the invention the conductor2016 may be any form of conventional conductive path whether twistedwire bundles, single wires, etc. The point is that the transmissionconductor 2016 provides a single transmission path to the directionalcircuit 2014. Important to the invention is the fact that there is noconductive return path provided back from the directional circuit 2016to the generator 2012.

In the broad sense, the directional circuit 2014 is a loop circuit whichincludes one or more circuit elements causing the loop circuit to beasymmetric to current flow. Again it is important that the directionalcircuit 2014 has no continuous conductive path to earth ground, or abattery ground. As such, and as disclosed in FIG. 25 the directionalcircuit 2014 develops a DC potential across a load, such as resistor R1in response to the alternating electric field. This DC potential is notreferenced to ground but merely to the potential differences created bythe circulation of current (see FIG. 26) in the loop across the load(resistor R1 of FIG. 25). Accordingly, the DC potential is selfreferencing. As far as the resistor R1 is concerned, circuit 2010presents it with a relatively higher DC potential output at 2020 and arelatively lower potential output at 2022.

FIG. 26 discloses circuit 2010 with the load represented as a genericload 2024 (rather than resistor R1) to show the circulation path ofcurrent flow (indicated by the arrows) in any generic load circuitutilizing the DC potential of circuit 2010.

FIGS. 25 and 26 disclose that the loads connected to the directionalcircuit 2014 do not have a continuous conductive path to earth ground ora battery ground. They also disclose that the directional circuit 2014has circuit elements causing the directional circuit to be asymmetric tocurrent flow. In the preferred embodiment disclosed, these circuitelements are diodes D1 and D2. However, it is contemplated that numerousother circuit elements could provide the same functionality, inparticular, semiconductors with “pn” junctions; electrets, plasma,organic; or combinations thereof.

The circuit 2010 is preferably used for delivering power and sensingproximity. The circuit 2010 is also preferably useful in TTL logicapplications as disclosed in FIG. 27 showing a standard TTL logic outputcircuit 2026 powered by circuit 2010. In that application, the DCvoltages necessary range from 0V to +/−5V.

FIGS. 25-27 each disclose that directional circuit 2014 includes firstand second diodes D1 and D2, with D1 having an anode and diode D2 havinga cathode which are commonly connected to the transmission conductor2016. the cathode of the first diode D1 is connected to the relativelymore positive side of the load 2020 while the anode of the second diodeis connected to the relatively less positive side load 2022 to form thedirectional loop circuit among the diodes and the load.

FIG. 28 discloses a circuit 2024 according to the invention having astandard AC signal generator 2026 and a directional circuit 2028includes first and second light emitting diodes (LEDs), the first LED 1has an anode and the second LED 2 has a cathode, which are commonlyconnected to the conductor 2030 from the generator 2026. The cathode ofLED 1 is connected to the relatively more positive voltage side 2032 ofthe load 2036 while the anode of LED 2 is connected to the relativelyless positive side 2034 of the load 2036 to form the loop circuit 2028among the LEDs 1 and 2. In this embodiment the load is configured tooptimize the lumen produced by the directional circuit, for example theLEDs 1, 2 used to deliver power to the load 2036 which can be a thirdLED as shown in FIG. 36.

FIG. 29 discloses a circuit 2038 according to the invention. In thisembodiment, a generator 2040 produces an alternating electric field ontransmission conductor 2040. The conductor 2041 is connected to adirectional circuit 2042 having circuit elements causing an asymmetricalresponse to the alternating field and current flow. In particular,circuit 2042 includes three LEDs 1, 2, 3, configured to providecirculation according to the direction of the arrows (see FIG. 29). Inthis embodiment, all three LEDs 1-3 provide light as an output that canbe considered as a load. This shows that relative nature of thepositioning of elements in the various directional circuits disclosedherein according to the invention. If light is desired, then each of thediodes may be considered both loads and circuit elements which causeasymmetrical current flow. For example, FIG. 30 discloses the samecircuit 2038 with only the substitution of LEDs 1 and 3 by diodes D1 andD2. In this circuit, optimization of the light emitted by LED 2 is ofparamount concern, whereas the diodes 1, 2 provide directionality and aDC offset to the AC signal source as will be disclosed in more detailbelow. In preferred embodiments, the directional circuits, includingdirectional circuit 2014, disclosed herein throughout this invention maybe connected to ground through capacitance 2039 at a point within thedirectional circuit other than the AC signal input point 28 as shown inFIG. 30. This ground connection seems to provide increased circulationcurrent, as it is noted that the LEDs get brighter for a givenalternating electromagnetic source. The capacitor 2039 may alternativelybe placed on the other side of the AC line 2041. The capacitor is usedto drop the voltage from the AC source.

FIG. 31 discloses a circuit 2042 having an AC signal generator 2044inducing an alternating electric field onto transmission conductor 2046which is connected to a first directional circuit 2048 having LEDs 1-3.LED 2 acting as a load to circuit 2048, provides the relatively high DCpotential at point 2050 and a relatively lower DC potential at point2052 to another directional circuit 2054 comprised of LEDs 4-6. This isrepeated for another directional circuit 2056 and LEDs 7-9. Again, thecircuit components LEDs 1-9 provide both directionality and useful workas a load in the form of producing light. According to another aspect ofthe invention, the circuit 2042 discloses the multiplexing possibilitiesof the directional circuits 2048, 2052, 2056. According to anotheraspect of the invention, the circuit 2042 discloses a parallel LEDdirectional circuit.

FIG. 32 discloses a circuit 2058 to illustrate another aspect of theinvention, in particular the transmission of information or data as onemay use the terms. Accordingly, the alternating electric field isprovided (as it could be with any embodiment disclosed herein) by eitheran antenna 2060 or a signal generator 2061. The alternating signalsource is imposed on transmission conductor 2062. A directional circuit2064 is comprised of a load 2066 and two diodes D1 and D2. The circuit2058 discloses the directional DC current flow as well as an AC plus DCcurrent flow and potential indicated by “AC+DC” in FIG. 32. This DC plusAC component is important to the transmission of information or datasignals from the generators 2060, 2061.

In particular, FIG. 33 discloses a circuit 2068 having a signalgenerator 2070, a transmission conductor 2072, and a directional circuit2074. The directional circuit has asymmetrical diode elements D1 and D2and a load R1. In this and the other embodiment disclosed herein (seeFIG. 32), the directional circuit 2074 is constructed to permit a DCvoltage level to accrue on the transmission conductor 2072 along withthe AC signal to provide an offset to the signal. This offset ispreferential to the signal as the signal is ungrounded. It is believedthat this may prevent noise in the system to be added to the line 2072as a second alternating field but with reference to ground. Accordinglythe noise adds to the DC level but not to the signal level in the sameproportions.

Also as disclosed in FIG. 33, an output 2076 is provided which willtransmit the AC signals from transmission line 2072 to an information ordata signal receiver 2078 which will detect the signal riding the DClevel. The DC level can easily be distinguished and handled by such areceiver as is conventional. It should be understood that the signalreceiver 2078 may be of any conventional type of TTL logic device,modem, or telecommunications receiver and is believed to operate bestwith the preferred systems of the invention when it is not connected toearth ground or a battery ground, or a current sink or charge collector(as is the case for the working loads disclosed through out thisdisclosure).

According to another embodiment, FIG. 34 discloses another informationor data communication circuit 2080. The circuit 2080 includes a signalgenerator 2082, a transmission conductor 2084, a directional circuit2086, a data receiver 2088, and a ground switch 2090. In thisembodiment, the directional circuit 2086 provides both the DC power forthe receiver 2088, and a data signal through output 2092 connectedbetween the receiver input and the common connection between theconductor 2084 and directional circuit input to anode of diode D1 andcathode D2. In the meantime, the receiver is powered on the DC potentialdifference between D1 the relatively more positive side 2094 and D2 therelatively less positive side 2096 of the directional circuit. In thisembodiment, resistor R1 is provided according to another aspect of theinvention to regulate or select as desired the level of DC offset the ACdata signal will have at line 2092.

According to another aspect of the invention, the ground switch 2090 isprovided to provide a non-continuous connection to a circuit, such asthe ground circuit disclosed in FIG. 34, to dissipate excessiveaccumulations of charge or voltage potentials in the circuit 2080. It iscontemplated that the switch 2090 be actuated based upon a timing (suchas a pre-selected clock pulse) criteria, or by a sensor (not shown) ofan undesirable DC level developing in the circuit 2080. Once engaged,the circuit 2090 would dissipate the excess energy to a ground, ground,plane, capacitor, battery ground, or the like.

FIG. 35 discloses a circuit 2092 wherein directional circuits 2094-2100are connected through a common bus conductor 2102 to provide DC powerand signals from generator 2104 as described previously herein.

FIGS. 36 and 37 disclose a circuit 2104 to illustrate another aspect ofthe invention. Accordingly, an alternating electric field is provided toa first transmission conductor by a signal generator 2102 and a secondtransmission conductor is provided by an antenna 2108 (see FIG. 36) orwire 2124 (see FIG. 37) that is connected to a relatively less positiveside 2114-2122 within the directional circuit 2110. A difference in DCpotential between a relatively more positive side 2112 within thedirectional circuit, and relatively less positive side 2114-2122 isprovided. Another aspect of the invention is sensing proximity withimpedance changes within the directional circuits described herein (asit could be with any embodiment disclosed herein) by approaching any ofthe directional circuits or transmission conductors (also any of whichare described herein), for example approaching 2108 (shown in FIG. 36)and/or 2124 (as shown in FIG. 37) with a conductive substance such as aperson or metallic material thereby changing the circulation of currentflow within the directional circuit by changes in impedance through thecapacitance of the conductive substance.

FIG. 38 discloses a circuit 2126 to illustrate another aspect of theinvention. Accordingly, an alternating electric field is provided to atransmission conductor 2132 by a signal generator 2128 that provides afirst voltage level output equal to that provided by the signalgenerator 2128. A lump inductance 2130 is provided in series of thetransmission conductor 2132 between the signal generator 2128 anddirectional circuit 2134. The lump inductance 2130 provides an increasedvoltage level from the relatively lower voltage on the transmissionconductor 2132 at the point 2136 between the signal generator 2128 andlump inductance 2136 and a relatively higher voltage level on thetransmission conductor 2132 at the point 2138 between the lumpinductance 2130 and the directional circuit 2134 thereby providing anincrease in current flow within the directional circuit 2134 orelectromagnetic field energy radiating from the circuit 2126. The amountof current flow within the directional circuits described herein andelectromagnetic field energy external of the directional circuitsdescribed herein is dependent on the frequency of an AC signal providedto the transmission conductor 2132 (or any of which are describedherein). In preferred embodiments, the circuits disclosed in FIGS. 25-38may be connected to ground through capacitance. This ground connectionseems to provide increased circulation current, as it is noted that theLEDs get brighter for a given alternating electromagnetic source.

FIG. 39 shows a device 2482 comprising individual light emitting diodecircuits 2484 on a flexible printed circuit board having a mirror likereflective material or coating 2488 designed into or on the flexibleprinted circuit board in an area at least near the light emitting diodesfor providing more efficient light output from the circuit board areassurrounding the light emitting diodes by having the flexible printedcircuit board reflect light rather than absorb it. Power connectionpoints 2490 and 2492 are provided to the board.

FIG. 40 shows a device 2494 comprising a device 2496 identical to thedevice shown in FIG. 39 adhered to a device 2498 having a cylindricalshape for providing improved uniformity and increased angle of lightoutput from device 2496.

It is to be understood that additional embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in theart, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to theembodiments disclosed. While specific embodiment s of the presentinvention have been illustrated described, numerous modifications cometo mind without significantly departing from the spirit of theinvention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope ofthe accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A LED lighting system comprising: a power supplythat includes a plurality of drivers and that is configured to receiveone of at least two different AC voltage inputs; wherein a driver of theplurality of drivers is configured to be connected to at least one LEDcircuit; wherein the at least one LED circuit includes a plurality ofLEDs connected in series or parallel; wherein the power supply has aninput for receiving an AC voltage and frequency from an AC power sourceto provide power to the at least one of the plurality of drivers;wherein the driver is configured to output both power and data on atransmission line; and a controller for controlling when an output ofthe driver provides power to the at least one LED circuit and when theoutput provides data to the at least one LED circuit.
 2. The LEDlighting system of claim 1, wherein the driver includes a modem.
 3. TheLED lighting system of claim 1, wherein the driver includes a voltageregulator.
 4. The LED lighting system of claim 1, wherein the output ofthe driver is DC voltage and DC current.
 5. The LED lighting system ofclaim 1 further comprising: a sensor.
 6. The LED lighting system ofclaim 1, wherein the controller comprises: a switch.
 7. The LED lightingsystem of claim 1, wherein the output of the driver is low voltage. 8.The LED lighting system of claim 1, wherein the at least one LED circuitincludes a semiconductor device for varying a current of the output ofthe driver.
 9. The LED lighting system of claim 1, wherein the at leastone LED circuit is incorporated in a lighting device.
 10. The LEDlighting system of claim 1, wherein the at least one LED circuit isincorporated in a lighting device that includes a 3-way switch.
 11. TheLED lighting system of claim 1, wherein the at least one LED circuit isincorporated in a lighting device that includes another driver.
 12. Thelighting system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of drivers comprises afirst driver, a second driver, and a third driver connected eitherbetween the first driver and the at least one LED circuit or between thesecond driver and the at least one LED circuit, wherein the third driverat least one of varies or limits the output of the first driver or thesecond driver and provides an third driver output to the one or more LEDcircuits.
 13. A method of providing light, the method comprising:receiving, at a first driver, one of multiple AC input voltages from anAC power source; connecting the first driver to at least one LEDcircuit; outputting, from the first driver, power and data on atransmission conductor to the at least one LED circuit; and controllingwhen the first driver is connected to the at least one LED circuit andwhen a second driver is connected to the at least one LED circuit. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein an output from the first driver has arelatively constant voltage.
 15. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising: sensing the proximity of a person or object.
 16. The methodof claim 13 further comprising: receiving wireless information in the atleast one LED circuit using an antenna.
 17. The method of claim 13further comprising: varying, at the at least one LED circuit, a currentof the power received from the first driver.
 18. A lighting systemcomprising: a power supply comprising a first device group that includesa first data communication circuit and a first LED circuit driver and asecond device group that includes a second data communication circuitand a second LED circuit driver, wherein each of the first device groupand the second device group has at least one transmission line with anoutput for providing power and data to at least one LED circuit; whereinthe at least one LED circuit has at least two LEDs connected in seriesor parallel; wherein the at least one LED circuit is electricallyconnected to the output of the at least one transmission line; whereinthe power supply is configured to receive one of at least two differentAC voltage inputs; and wherein the first and second LED circuit driversare configured to provide at least one of an AC voltage output level ora DC voltage output level of 6V or greater.
 19. The lighting system ofclaim 18, wherein the at least one LED circuit is incorporated in alighting device that includes a driver.
 20. An LED driver comprising: aninput configured to receive power from an AC mains and to operate onmultiple AC mains input voltages; an output configured to provide DCvoltage to at least one LED circuit coupled to the LED driver; and athree-way switch on the LED driver that can be manually adjusted by anend user, wherein settings on the three-way switch adjust a brightnessof the at least one LED circuit.